Bill Protecting Athletes from Abuse Signed into Law

The U.S. Center for SafeSport Authorized to Implement Abuse-Prevention Standards

DENVER, COLO., UNITED STATES, February 14, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Today, President Trump joined Congress in making athlete well-being a national priority after signing S.534, the “Protecting Young Athletes from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act.” The bill went to the president’s desk after passing the House and Senate in late January.

“The passage of the bill reinforces the critical work of the Center and our mission to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of our nation’s sports culture.” said Shellie Pfohl, CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. “We’re thankful for all of the Congressional support for the legislation and especially the leadership of Senators Thune and Feinstein.”

The Act designates the Center as the independent national safe sport organization responsible for delivering education and resolving allegations of misconduct within the US Olympic and Paralympic Movements; additionally, the law requires the United States Olympic Committee and Olympic national governing bodies to report child sexual abuse to law enforcement, or the appropriate agency.

While the final version of the bill included important new standards and protections for athletes, it did not include funding essential to carrying out the Center’s responsibilities and mission.

“The Center is creating a culture where all athletes feel safe and empowered to speak up if there’s a concern,” said Pfohl. “Our job is to deliver on this important mission and to continue to work with Congress to secure funding for our essential work.”

As the first and only national organization of its kind, SafeSport is a resource for any sports entity, from youth to professional. The bipartisan legislation ensures the Center will continue providing consultation on prevention techniques and policies, while developing best practices and educational programs focused on promoting athlete well-being and putting an end to sexual abuse in sports.

To become involved with the Center’s education and awareness efforts please visit www.safesport.org.

###About the U.S. Center for SafeSportThe Center is the first and only national organization of its kind focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport. As an independent non-profit headquartered in Denver, CO, the Center provides consultation to sport entities on prevention techniques and policies, while developing best practices and educational programs focused on promoting athlete wellbeing and putting an end to emotional and physical abuse in sports. The Center also provides a safe, professional and confidential place for individuals to report sexual abuse within the US Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport
The U.S. Center for SafeSport
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